The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney – How They Can Help You Navigate the Claims Process

 

When you are hurt and trying to heal, dealing with a personal injury claim may be the last thing on your mind. The claims process can be time-consuming and frustrating, leaving you wondering how you will pay for your medical bills and missed time from work. The best personal injury lawyers help clients navigate the claims process from start to finish, which can ease your stress and allow you to focus on your recovery.

Assessing Your Case

In your initial consultation, a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer will ask you some questions, address your concerns, and discuss your case with you. They will ask how the accident or incident occurred, who was involved, and who you believe may be liable. An attorney also will inquire about your injuries, how they have affected your life, and what type of medical treatment you have received. After evaluating your case, they will give you their opinion on whether you have a viable claim, and on the most effective way to proceed.

Investigating Your Claim

If you decide to proceed with your claim, your attorney’s team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case. For example, if you were hurt in a car accident, your personal injury lawyer may visit the scene of the crash to take pictures, obtain police reports, get the insurance information of other involved parties, contact witnesses, and identify who may be at fault and liable for damages.

They also will request all medical records associated with treatment for your accident-related injuries. You will want to gather all bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, or other proof of income so your accident lawyer can determine what your claim is worth. Depending on the circumstances, your personal injury attorney may also employ the services of accident reconstructionists and other experts as your case develops.

Sending a Demand Letter or Notice of Claim

Once the evidence is collected and your attorney puts it all together to create a legal claim, your attorney will send a formal demand letter to the liable party’s insurer. This puts them on notice of your intention to file a claim. The letter will outline the evidence, explain why you are entitled to compensation, and include the dollar amount you are requesting for your injuries and other damages like lost wages and pain and suffering.

Negotiating a Settlement

The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court. A car accident attorney or personal injury lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with insurers so you can focus on getting better. Without legal representation, many injured victims accept minimal settlements that do not even begin to cover their medical bills, let alone other damages. Even if you do not think you have been seriously injured, it is always a good idea to speak to a lawyer after an accident.

Personal injury lawyers are familiar with the tactics insurance companies often employ to offer minimal amounts or deny claims. When you have an experienced attorney advocating for you, you can rest assured that they are working towards the best possible outcome for your case. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend taking your case to trial.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident caused by negligence, our personal injury lawyers in Chester County, PA can help.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/the-role-of-a-personal-injury-attorney-how-they-can-help-you-navigate-the-claims-process/

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How Posting On Social Media Can Jeopardize Your Personal Injury Claim

Although it provides benefits like keeping in touch with loved ones who are far away, social media can work against you in a personal injury claim. Personal injury lawyers in Chester County PA advise clients to limit social media posts or deactivate their accounts until after a claim is settled. Here are some common reasons why. 

Social Media Posts Are not Private – They Can Be Used As Evidence

Anything you post on the internet should be considered public, even if you set-up your accounts with strict privacy controls. Insurance companies and their lawyers are always looking for reasons to deny or minimize personal injury claims. They scour injured victims’ social media accounts to find anything to discredit their claims or downplay their injuries and losses. 

Photos, posts, and comments from friends and family are also fair game in a personal injury lawsuit. For example, you may make an innocuous post with a photo of a beautiful mountain where you once hiked. If a family member comments on it and says something like “I bet you’ll be traveling after you get your huge settlement,” it can portray you in a negative light and give the defense fodder to impugn your character. Any accident or injury lawyer will tell you to be to be extremely cautious about what you and your loved ones put out there for the world to see. 

You May Contradict Yourself

It is important not to post any information or commentary at all about your accident, injuries, or claim. Regardless of what you write, your words may be twisted to make it appear like you are just in it for the money or faking your injuries. 

Without even realizingt, you may contradict claims that you made about the accident or the severity of your injury. For instance, if you suffered whiplash in a car accident and post about going golfing on social media, an insurer or their attorneys may use it to challenge the validity or severity of your injuries. 

Check-Ins Can Hurt Your Case

Check-ins on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites can also show that you are doing things that would not be possible if your injuries are as serious as you claim. Something as simple as taking your kids to an amusement park and checking in can jeopardize your case, even if you do not participate in activities while you are there. If your Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer advises you not to check in on social media, it isbest to heed their warning. 

Deactivating Your Social Media Counts is Best

Your injury lawyer will most likely advise you to deactivate your accounts until your case is completed. If you must use social media, refrain from posting anything personal. Limit your use to liking other people’s posts and sharing news articles, silly memes, funny animal photos, and other harmless items. Avoid commenting on others’ posts. Make sure to ask friends and family not to tag you in photos or mention anything about your accident, injuries, or case. All your social media settings should be set to private. 

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, our personal injury lawyers in Chester County PA can advise you of your options and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/how-posting-on-social-media-can-jeopardize-your-personal-injury-claim/

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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slipping on an icy sidewalk or tripping over a loose rug can have life-changing repercussions, including serious injury or death. According to the National Safety Council, 35,000 people died from slip and fall accidents in 2019 alone. Although sometimes falls are inevitable, being aware of common dangers can help you stay safe. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a slip, trip, or fall accident, a personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of your options. 

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Wet or uneven surfaces – More than 50% of slip and fall accidents are caused by dangerous walking surfaces. Some hazardous conditions that can cause injuries include:

• Spilled liquids

• Cluttered floors

• Loose rugs or torn carpets

• Missing or loose floorboards and stairs

• Defective, cracked, or pitted outdoor walkways

• Potholes in parking lots

• Recently mopped or waxed floors

Broken or defective handrails – Slip and fall accidents also may occur on staircases. Reaching for a handrail for stability while walking up or down the stairs is a natural thing to do, but if the railing is broken or loose, it can throw you off balance and result in a catastrophic injury. 

Weather conditions – Both indoor and outdoor slip and fall injuries can occur due to weather conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. Property owners have an obligation to ensure that sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances are free of hazards, regardless of how bad the weather may be. If a property or business owner fails to clear ice and snow and someone falls, they may be liable for any injuries.

Nursing home neglect – Falls are common among people age 65 and older, but this does not mean that they are unpreventable. When nursing home staff fail to properly supervise and assist residents, slip and fall accidents are much more likely to happen.

Work-related injuries – Improper training, poor safety standards, and inadequate equipment often lead to serious falls on slick surfaces in the industrial, manufacturing, and hospitality industries. 

Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip, trip, and fall accidents can result in serious injuries that may require costly ongoing medical care and affect an injured victim’s ability to earn a living. Some common injuries sustained in these types of accidents include:

• Broken bones, particularly of the hand and wrist

• Sprained, strained, or torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons

• Neck and shoulder injuries

• Spinal injuries

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Cuts and abrasions

• Knee injuries

• Shoulder injuries

The best accident attorneys understand that injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident can have a significant impact on a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial stability. It can be challenging to put a number on damages like pain and suffering in these cases, so it is critical to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. 

If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one in a slip and fall accident, you do not have to go it alone. Contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to learn about your options. Perna & Abracht have tremendous experience with slip and fall cases and serve the areas of Chester, Delaware, and Lancaster Counties in PA.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/common-causes-of-slip-and-fall-injuries/

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How Truck Accidents are Different from Car accidents When it Comes to Injury Cases

 

Being involved in any motor vehicle accident can be traumatic, but when it involves a tractor-trailer or another large commercial truck, the consequences can be life-altering. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, an experienced car accident attorney can help you understand how your personal injury or wrongful death claim may differ from those that only involve passenger vehicles.

Truck Accidents Often Cause More Serious Damage and Injury

Because of their large size and weight, tractor-trailers often cause accidents that result in significant property damage, catastrophic injury and death. In cases where multiple vehicles are involved, the human cost of a crash may be even higher. Victims of truck accidents may suffer injuries such as:

- Head, neck and back injuries

- Spinal injuries that result in paralysis

- Traumatic brain injury

- Broken or crushed bones

- Amputation

- Disfigurement

- Organ damage

These types of injuries often require lifelong medical care and can significantly diminish your quality of life. Although no amount of money can change what happened, a good injury lawyer can put an accurate value on your claim and help to ensure you recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve to protect your health and financial future.

Truck Accidents Claims are Complex

Tractor-trailer accident claims are multifaceted. It is critical to collect and preserve valuable evidence as soon as possible. A trucking company may send investigators and insurance company representatives to the scene right away. Do not give a statement or sign anything from an insurance adjuster without talking to a car accident attorney first. Their priority is always the bottom line—even your own insurance company may not be looking out for your best interests.

Although it may be tempting to accept the first settlement offer, you may be unaware of the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact they may have on your life. Trucking companies and other businesses often have liability insurance policies that reach into the multi-millions. In addition, multiple parties may be liable for damages in a truck accident claim, including the trucking company, truck driver, maintenance company, truck manufacturer, or parts manufacturer.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and help you pursue all possible avenues of compensation. It is important to hire a lawyer who is familiar with the laws and regulations put forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), which oversees standards and rules for owners and drivers of commercial vehicles.

Collection of Evidence May Be More Extensive

Truck accident cases require the collection and review of additional evidence that is not typically necessary in car accident claims. In addition to photographs, witness statements, and police reports, the best accident lawyers gather evidence such as:

- The truck driver’s training and driving record

- Truck maintenance records

- The truck driver’s medical records

- Results of any drug and alcohol testing

- The vehicle operator’s log, which contains valuable information like the number of hours driven, breaks and stops

- The “black box recorder” from the truck, which documents GPS, engine and other travel data

- Cell phone records

Legal teams also work with accident reconstructionists and other professionals who can provide vital expert witness testimony to back up your claim.

If you have been hurt in a tractor-trailer accident, seeking the counsel of a skilled Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and recover fair compensation.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-truck-accidents-are-different-from-car-accidents-when-it-comes-to-injury-cases/

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Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

 

Property and business owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe, which includes outdoor areas such as sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots as well. Being hurt in a slip and fall accident can have serious repercussions. Injured victims often wonder how they will pay their medical bills, make up for lost time off work, and care for their families. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident that was due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to take certain steps to protect your rights.

Seek Medical Attention

After any accident, it is critical to receive medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, symptoms of a condition may not appear until days or weeks later. Visiting the emergency room or seeing a doctor soon after your injury can help to ensure you get the care you need, and provide valuable evidence that a good injury lawyer can use to back up your claim down the road. Keep all bills and receipts for any treatment and medications you receive, transportation to and from appointments, and any other accident-related expenses.

Take Photographs or Video

Photos and video of the premises provide concrete evidence of dangerous conditions. Take photos of the area in which you fell and any hazards that may have caused you to slip, trip, or fall. It is also a good idea to take pictures of your injuries. If you are unable to take photos yourself, ask a bystander or someone with you to snap a few pictures.

Jot Down or Dictate Notes

Write down everything you remember about how the incident happened while it is still fresh in your mind. If you do not have a pen and paper handy, use the recorder on your phone to document what happened.

Gather Contact Information from Witnesses

Ask any potential witnesses for their names and phone numbers. Even if a person did not see you fall, he or she may have seen the negligent act or dangerous condition that caused your injury. For example, if you are shopping in a grocery store and slip on water from a cooler that is leaking onto the floor, other customers and workers may have seen the water there before you fell and became injured.

Make an Incident Report

Ask to make an incident report with the manager or owner of the business or property. Provide only factual information on the report. Do not say anything that could be construed as a fault on your part. Make sure to obtain a copy of the report before you leave. If a manager or owner is not available, ask for their name and phone number.

Do Not Give a Statement or Sign Anything from an Insurance Adjuster

It is vital to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They will do almost anything to pay as little as possible or deny claims altogether. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, do not speak to them, sign anything, or accept a settlement before contacting a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer.

Contact an Accident Attorney

An accident lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of the most effective course of action to recover compensation. He or she will gather evidence to support your claim and handle all negotiations with the insurance company. Your lawyer will act as your staunch advocate and fight to help you get the maximum compensation you need and deserve. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so you do not have to worry about incurring any up-front costs, even if you do not move forward with your claim.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/steps-to-take-after-a-slip-and-fall-accident/

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